HEEL: K 13 sts, leave on the needle; place the next (26 sts) (28 sts) (30 sts) for the instep onto a st holder; place the remaining 13 sts onto a 2nd st holder. On the sts that are on the needle, work in stockinette stitch, (always slipping the first st on a purl row), for 24 rows, ending with a purl row.

GUSSET DECREASES: Knit to within 3 sts of first marker, k 2 tog, k 1; slip marker; knit across instep sts, slip marker; k 1, sl 1, k 1, psso, knit to end of row. 2nd row: Purl across keeping markers in place. Repeat these last 2 rows until (52 sts) (54 sts) (56 sts), remain on needle. Drop off both markers. Now work even in stockinette stitch until the sock measures (6-ins) (7-ins) (8-ins) from the back of the heel, ending with a knit row. Purl (13 sts) (13 sts) (14 sts); place a marker on the needle; purl (26 sts) (28 sts) (28 sts); place a marker on the needle; purl the remaining sts.

TOE DECREASES: Knit to within 3 sts of first marker, k 2 tog, k 1; slip marker; k 1, sl 1, k 1, psso, knit to within 3 sts of 2nd marker, k 2 tog, k 1; slip marker; k 1, sl 1, k 1, psso, knit to end of row. NEXT ROW: Purl across, keeping markers in place. Repeat these last 2 rows until 12 sts remain on needle. Weave the sts together, or bind off and sew, having the decrease at the sides. Sew sole and back seams. Make the other sock the same way.